960 


UC-NRLF 


O 

^d- 
r^ 
to 


NO  PLAYS  EXCHANGED. 


BAKER'S  CDITISN 
or  PLAYS 


HE  MAGIC  MIRROR. 


ALTER  i 

BOSTON 


COPVRIGHT,  1889.   BY  WALTER  H.   BAKER  &  CO- 


I  A.  W.  PINERO'S  PLAYS. 

Uniformly  Bound  in  Stiff  Paper  Covers, 
Price,  50  cents  each. 


THE  publication  of  the  plays  of  this  popular  author,  made  feasible  by  the  new 
Copyright  Act,  under  which  his  valuable  stage  rights  can  be  fully  protected, 
enables  us  to  offer  to  amateur  actors  a  series  of  modern  pieces  of  the  highest 


readers  only,  but  the  increasing  demand  for  the  plays  ,for  acting  purposes  has 
far  outrun  their  merely  literary  success.  With  the  "idea  of  placing  this  excel- 
lent series  within  tne  reach  of  the  largest  possible  number  of  amateur  clubs,  we 
have  obtained  authority  to  offer  them  for  acting  purposes  at  an  author's  roy- 
alty of 

Ten  Dollars  for  Each  Performance. 

This  rate  does  not  apply  toprofessional  perf&i-mances,  for  which  terms  will  he 
made  kiiowu  on  application. 


vv 


THT7  A"M"A7OTVrc  I  A  Farcical  Romance  in  Three  Acts.  By  ARTHUR 
1  JTLC,  rVAVlTVZ-V^l^O.  y,-  pINER0.  Seven  male  and  five  female  char- 
•  acters.  Costumes,  modern;  scenery,  an  exterior 

rvnd  an  interior,  not  at  all  difficult.  This  admirable  farce  is  too  well  known 
through  its  recent  performance  by  the  Lyceum  Theatre  Company,  New  York,  to 
need  description.  It  is  especially  recommenced  to  young  ladies'  schools  and 
colleges.  (1895.) 


THE  CABINET  MINISTER. 


Costumes,  modern  society 

genkms  in  construction,  and  brilliant  in  dialogue. 


A    Farce   in    Four   Acts.      By 
ARTHUR  W.  PINERO.    Ten  male 
and     nine    female    characters, 
scenery,  three  interiors.    A  very  amusing  piece,  in- 
(1892.) 


DANDY  DICK. 


A  Farce  in  Three  Acts.    By  ARTHUR  W.  PINERO. 

Seven  male,  four  female  characters.  Costumes,  mod- 

= '  ern  ;  scenery,  two  interiors.  This  very  amusing  piece 

was  another  success  in  the  New  York  and  Boston  theatres,  and  has  been  ex- 
tensively played  from  manuscript  by  amateurs,  for  whom  it  is  in  every  respect 
suited.  It  provides  an  unusual  number  of  capital  character  parts,  is  very  funny, 
and  an  excellent  acting  piece.  Plays  two  hours  and  a  half.  (1893.) 


THE  HOBBY  HORSE. 


A  Comedy  in  Three  Acts.  By  ARTHUR 
W.  PINERO.  Ten  male,  five  female  char- 
acters. Scenery,  two  interiors  and  an  ex- 
terior ;  costumes,  modern.  This  piece  is  best  known  in  this  country  through  the 
admirable  performance  of  Mr.  John  Hare,  who  produced  it  in  all  the  principal 
cities.  Its  storv  presents  a  clever  satire  of  false  philanthropy,  and  is  full  of 
interest  and  humor.  Well  adapted  for  amateurs,  by  whom  it  has  been  success- 
fully acted.  Plays  two  hours  and  a  half.  (Ifi92.) 


LADY  BOUNTIFUL. 

interiors,  not  easy.    A  play  of  powerful  sympathetic  interest,  a 'little  sombre  in 
key,  but  not  unrelieved  by  humorous  touches.    (1892.) 


A  Play  3a  Four  Acts.  By  ARTHUR  W. 
PIN  ERO.  Eight  male  and  seven  female  char- 
acters. Costumes,  modern ;  scenery,  four 


The  Magic  Mirror 


A  Tableau  Entertainment 


Suitable  for  Parlor  or  Church 


BOSTON 
WALTER  H.  BAKER  &  CO 


Introduction. 

THE  apparatus  for  this  easy  and  effective  entertainment  con- 
sists of  a  picture  frame,  or  an  imitation  of  one,  three  feet  by  six, 
if  possible,  arranged  with  curtains  that  will  draw  aside  easily. 
If  a  real  picture  or  mirror  frame  cannot  be  found,  make  one  out 
of  light  wood  strips,  and  either  bronze  it  or  cover  with  gilt 
paper. 

If  the  entertainment  be  given  upon  a  platform  this  frame  will 
have  to  be  masked  below,  above  and  at  the  sides  with  draperies 
to  conceal  the  performers.  If  given  in  a  parlor,  it  may  be 
placed  in  the  opening  of  a  folding  door.  Behind  the  frame,  at 
a  distance  of  about  two  feet,  a  black  screen  should  be  placed  by 
way  of  background,  leaving  about  two  feet  of  space.  In  this 
space  the  young  ladies  who  represent  the  several  tableaux  are 
to  stand.  Use  a  strong  lamp  and  reflector,  if  possible  two, 
one  at  each  side,  to  light  up  the  frame.  Have  all  other  lights  out 
back  of  frame.  A  single  thickness  of  gauze  between  the  picture 
and  the  audience  will  increase  the  illusion. 

If  the  entertainment  is  given  in  a  church  or  hall  the  effect 
can  be  heightened  by  having  some  one  draped  in  black,  repre- 
senting a  magician,  sitting  near  the  frame,  stirring  a  kettle  or 
caldron  hanging  from  a  cross-stick  frame.  Place  an  alcohol 
lamp  under  the  kettle,  making  a  weird  blue  flame  for  the  fire. 

In  front  of  the  frame  and  at  one  side  the  Reader  is  placed. 
She  should  read  the  descriptive  lines  slowly  and  distinctly,  the 
tableaux  being  shown  at  places  indicated.  If  desired,  the 
Reader  may  be  behind  the  frame.  At  the  other  side,  in  front, 
should  be  stationed  the  Knight  or  Bachelor^  who  is  in  search 
of  a  wife.  He  should  act  in  obedience  to  the  sentiment  of  the 
verses,  as  they  are  read. 

The  tableaux  are  represented  by  pretty  young  girls  appro- 
priately costumed.  They  are  amply  suggested  by  the  text,  and 
should  present  as  attractive  and  beautiful  a  series  of  portraits  as 
possible. 


M359532 


The  Magic  Mirror. 


PART  I. 

The  Reading. 

A  MAN  throughout  the  world  had  gone 
Seeking  a  wife  and  finding  none 
Because  a  woman  to  his  taste 
Must  be  possessed  of  every  grace, 
Combining  beauty,  youth,  and  health. 

Of  a  magician  he  heard  at  last, 
And  hopes  his  weary  search  is  past, 
Since  of  this  wondrous  man  'tis  told, 
That  through  his  power  we  may  behold 
Reflected  in  a  magic  glass 
A  long  array  of  maidens  pass. 

So  he  decided  at  once  to  go 
Without  delay  his  fate  to  know. 
To  the  magician  quick  he  goes, 
And  all  his  treasures  he  bestows. 
Then  he  beholds  the  magic  glass 
But  sees  no  shadow  o'er  it  pass, 
Till  the  magician  waves  his  hand  ; 
Then  summoned  forth  at  his  command, 
A  moment  in  the  glass  they  stand, 
Then  move  in  slow  procession  on, 
Until  the  last  has  come  and  gone. 

As  one  by  one  they  move  along 

It  seems  like  some  bright  dream  or  song, 

For  still  reserving  by  his  art 

The  destined  mistress  of  his  heart 

Magic's  High  Priest  brings  not  till  last 

The  bride  whose  spell  shall  hold  him  fast. 

5 


THE    MAGIC    MIRROR. 

{Draw  curtains  and  show  first  tableau.*) 
First  comes  a  woman  rich  and  fair 
Of  years  mature  and  regal  air ; 
Her  queenly  robe  in  cumbrous  fold 
Falls  heavy  as  with  weight  of  gold. 
Astonished  and  too  moved  to  speak, 
His  hands  his  pockets  quickly  seek ; 
From  out  their  depths  his  purse  he  raises, 
Into  the  empty  thing  he  gazes, 
Restores  it  with  a  rueful  air. 
Once  more  his  hands  returning  bring 
A  tailor's  bill.     He  breathes  a  sigh. 
Oh,  what  a  wife,  he  thinks,  if  I 
Could  but  forego  my  bright  ideal 
And  show  my  fancy  to  be  real. 

{Draiu  curtains.) 
He  shakes  his  head.     It  cannot  be. 
Resigns  her  all  reluctantly, 
And  heaves  a  melancholy  sigh, 
While  half  a  million  passes  by. 

(Show  second  tableau.) 

Then  comes  a  rustic  maiden  fair, 
With  dove-like  eyes  and  soft  brown  hair. 
"No,  no,  sweet  maid,  it  cannot  be, 
No  country  lass  shall  vanquish  me, 
Unless  she  be  possessed  of  style 
No  woman  can  my  heart  beguile. ' ' 

{Draw  curtains.) 

Quick  as  his  thought  the  shadow  dim 
Fades  out.     And  there  appears  to  him 
What  his  fastidious  taste  demands. 

(Show  third  tableau.) 

The  lady  of  the  period  stands, 
With  easy  grace  and  folded  hands. 
He  asks  himself;    "  Ah,  can  it  be 
That  I,  with  love's  idolatry, 
Can  worship  maiden  such  as  she  ? 

(Draw  curtains.) 


THE    MAGIC    MIRROR. 

No,  no,  my  heart,  it  cannot  be ; 
The  woman  who  enslaveth  me 
Quiet  and  graceful  too  must  be." 
With  undisturbed  assurance,  she 
Bows  and  moves  on  composedly. 

i 
(Show  fourth  tableau.} 

Then  he  beholds  another  maid, 

Gaily  as  for  a  ball  arrayed, 

So  fair  and  beautiful  she  seems, 

The  creature  of  his  brightest  dreams. 

"  I  think  I'll  bid  this  fair  one  stay, 

I  cannot  see  her  go  away, 

How  pleasantly  my  life  would  glide 

With  such  a  creature  at  my  side. 

{Draw  curtains.} 
But,  ah  !  (reflecting)  what  if  all 
She  knew  of  life,  be  rout  and  ball ; 
That  would  not  do,  I  have  my  fears," 
He  waves  his  hand,  she  disappears. 

(Show  fifth  tableau} 

And  now  so  meekly  gliding  by 

A  nun-like  figure  greets  his  eye. 

She  comes  with  rosary,  beads  and  book, 

An  ebony  cross,  and  saintly  look, 

He  gazes  at  her,  but,  indeed, 

She  seems  unfit  for  earthly  need. 

"My  spirit,  doubtless,"  muses  he, 

"Would  thrive  in  such  good  company, 

But  could  I  to  this  fair  one  look 

To  mind  my  house,  and  serve  ^d  cook  ? 

(Draw^^urtains . ) 
I'm  confident  she  would  not  do, 
Pass  on,  sweet  maid,  adieu,  adieu  !  "\ 

(Show  sixth  tableau.} 

Who  is  it,  pray,  that  follows  next  ? 
He  gazes  with  a  look  perplexed, 
Then  smiles  as  plainly  stands  revealed 
Upon  the  mirror's  crystal  field, 


THE    MAGIC    MIRROR. 

What  first  for  a  young  man  he  took, 
Bewildered  by  her  jaunty  look, 
Puzzled  by  derby  hat  and  cane, 
Until  reflected  clear  and  plain, 
No  doubt  can  in  his  mind  remain. 

(Draw  curtains.) 
He  waves  the  lady  quick  aside 
As  if  to  say,  "Who  could  abide 
A  masculine  strong-minded  bride?  " 

(Show  seventh  tableau.) 

Now  with  a  quick  reverse  his  glance 
The  guileless  maiden  of  romance 
Surveys.     This  sylph  poised  airily, 
Some  painter's  rapture  well  might  be. 
A  painter's  dream — for  so  seemed  she 
The  embodiment  of  poetry 
In  picturesque  attire,  in  air, 
Dreaming,  yet  arch.     And  everywhere 
She  wanders,  scattering  flowers. 
"  'Twere  well,"  he  said,  "if  but  that  ours 
Were  not  a  wintry  world  so  oft, 
Alas  !  our  summer's  short. 

(Figure  throws  a  flower  to  knight  and  curtains  close.) 
This  soft  and  fragile  thing  would  quail 
At  storms,  and  uselessly  bewail 
The  flowers  when  vanished. 
Not  yet  will  I  decide.     I'll  look  again." 

(Show  eighth  tableau.) 

She  fades  as  fades  a  passing  dream 

And,  standing  where  she  stood,  is  seen 

Another  maiden.     Her  cheek  glows 

With  health's  ripe  bloom  and  youth's  bright  rose ; 

In  her  skilled  shapely  hands  she  bears 

Utensils  fit  for  household  cares, 

A  broom  and  dust-pan,  that  she  may 

At  shortest  notice  brush  away 

Dust,  and  the  webs  that  will  festoon 

The  walls  of  a  neglected  room. 


THE    MAGIC    MIRROR.  9 

Her  hair ;  not  wildly  thrown  afar, 
Like  comet's  train  or  blazing  star, 

(  This  vision  shocks  the  knight  who  turns  away  contemptuously 
as  curtains  close.*) 

Is  fastened  plainly  back  for  fear 
It  may  with  business  interfere ; 
While  round  her  waist  is  firmly  tied 
An  apron — badge  of  household  pride. 

(Show  ninth  tableau.*) 
Now  yet  another  comes  this  way 
A  lovely  girl,  to  his  delight, 
With  lustrous  hair  and  eyes  of  night, 
A  face  so  fair,  that  well  might  he 
Forget,  while  she  was  in  his  sight, 
That  in  his  heart  a  blonde  alone 
Can  have  an  altar  and  a  home. 

(Draw  cur  fains.*) 
No,  she  has  but  the  power  to  move 
The  surface,  not  the  depths  of  love. 
So,  with  a  half  regretful  sigh, 
He  waves  her  on  reluctantly. 


(Show  tenth  tableau.) 
What  view  is  this  that  greets  his  eye? 
He  hears  a  long  ecstatic  sigh, 
And  sees  a  maiden  standing  there 
With  garb  so  strange,  and  such  an  air. 
A  lily  in  her  hand  she  holds, 
Her  gown  is  draped  in  classic  folds, 
And  languidly  herself  she  bears, 
She  sighs,  arid  droops,  and  sways. 

(Knight  stares') 
Who  can  this  languid  damsel  be, 
From  what  strange  land  her  ancestry  ? 
Then  as  the  maicl  the  lily  raises, 
Pensively  at  its  petals  gazes, 
"Esthetic  adoration's  child, 
A  devotee  of  Oscar  Yilde," 
Breaks  from  his  lips.  \ 

(Draw  curtains.) 


IO  THE    MAGIC    MIRROR. 

He  shakes  his  head, 
"Not  suchX woman  would  I  wed." 
She  seems  to  ra^de  from  sight  away 
Like  mist  before Nadawning  day. 

'  (Show  eleventh  tableau.'} 
What  scene  more  perfect  then  succeeds, 
With  pure  brow  whereon  kindly  deeds 
And  inward  culture  peace  had  sealed, 
A  quakeress  is  next  revealed. 
How  modestly  herself  she  bears, 
How  daintily  the  gray  she  wears, 
That  like  the  plumage  of  a  dove 
The  wearer's  eye  can  best  approve. 

{Draw  curtains.) 
But  wearily  he  shakes  his  head, 
"  Of  course  it  will  not  do  to  wed 
The  daughter  of  an  alien  sect ; 
Still  must  I  wait  and  still  expect." 

(Show  twelfth  tableau.) 
All  soundlessly  the  gentle  shade 
Retreats  as  if  only  born  to  fade, 
And  one  serene  and  grave  with  brow 
And  mein  of  thought,  sedately  now 
Appears.     Her  arms  with  books  are  filled, 
Wherein  much  wisdom  is  distilled. 

{Draw  curtains) 

Her  wisdom's  great  'tis  plain  to  see, 
But  not  an  instant  pauses  he,     . 
Turning  away  indifferently, 
As  who  comes  next  he  fain  would  see. 


(Show  thirteenth  tableau.) 
Then  one  with  every  mortal  grace 
Reflected  in  her  form  and  face, 
As  beautiful  as  any  vision. 
That  rises  in  a  dream  elysian, 
Salutes  his  glad  expectant  eyes 
And  wakens  rapture  and  surprise. 


THE    MAGIC    MIRROR.  II 

"  At  last !  "  he  cries,  "'tis  she  !  'tis  she  ! 
I  yield  my  heart,  my  love  to  thee." 
He  kneels  before  his  fair-haired  wife, 
His  beautiful,  his  love,  his  life. 
He  takes  her  hand,  for  he  has  won  — 

{Draw  curtains.) 
The  curtain  falls  and  all  are  gone. 


PART  II. 

YEAR  after  year  has  fled  away  ; 
He  is  wiser  grown  with  hair  grown  gray ; 
Fastidiousness  is  past,  his  bride 
Has  proved  a  burden,  naught  beside. 
A  weight  upon  his  hands  and  purse, 
He  said  he  took  her  for  the  worse, 
And  found  there  was  not  any  better ; 
That  clause  had  proved  an  empty  letter, 
The  chains  of  love  had  proved  a  fetter. 

Once  more  to  the  magician  he 

Repairs  and  asks  again  to  see 

The  figures  in  the  magic  glass, 

That  he  may  watch  them  as  they  pass 

To  see  if  he  should  choose  again 

The  one  that  he  selected  then. 

Now  let  us  mark  which  one  he  chooses,- 

And  also  note  what  he  refuses. 

(Show  fourteenth  tableau.') 
The  curtain  lifts  again  ;  behold 
The  stately  dame  well  dowered  with  gold, 
The  rustic  maid,  the  ballroom's  pride, 
Gay  fashion's  queen,  all  unallied ; 
The  saint  disguised,  they  all  appear, 
Then  standing  boldly  withoutjear^  „ 
The  girl  strong-minded,  tl^jjSjSTand  then 
She  of  flowers,  of  books  and  pen 


12  THE    MAGIC    MIRROR. 

Brunette  and  blonde,  and  quakeress, 

Each  in  her  own  soft  loveliness ; 

And  last  as  the  visions  varying  fleet, 

The  little  housewife,  trim  and  neat  — 

"Oh,  stay  !  "  he  cried.      " I  crown  thee  queen 

Of  all  the  women  I  have  seen ; 

Let  all  the  wealth  and  dress  and  art 

Go  by — thou  hast  the  better  part. 

Of  all  man's  blessings  thou  art  rarest 

Though  many  others  may  be  fairest. 

I've  tried  the  one  most  beautiful, 

And  now  I  choose  the  practical." 

Young  men  I  would  advice  bestow : 
When  seeking  for  a  wife  you  go, 
Give  youth  and  beauty  both  their  due, 
But  see  that  she  is  useful  too. 

{Draw  curtains.} 


PLAYS  FOR  MALE  CHARACTERS. 


A  LITTLE  TIFF. 

A  Farce  in  One  Ad. 
By  NEWELL  BENT. 

Four  male,  two  female  characters,  all  intended  to  be  played  by  men,  as  in 
the  original  performance  at  the  Fay  School.  Costumes,  modern ;  scenery,  an 
easy  interior.  A  bright  and  entertaining  little  piece,  well  suited  for  school 
performance.  Edith  Burton,  a  young  woman  with  ideas,  wants  to  strike  out 
and  do  something,  and  to  this  end,  against  the  advice  of  her  tianc£,  Teddy, 
opens  an  intelligence  office  in  her  drawing  room.  Teddy,  to  bring  about  her 
cure,  sends  two  of  his  farm  hands  to  act  as  bogus  applicants,  instructing  them 
to  get  up  a  "rough  house,"  which  he,  arriving  at  the  proper  time,  will  quell, 
thus  at  once  curing  the  lady  and  making  himself  very  solid  as  her  rescuer. 
Dusty  Rhodes,  a  tramp,  arrives  on  the  scene  and  complicates  this  programme 
somewhat,  but  everything  turns  out  all  right.  Extravagantly  funny,  and  a 
sure  "  go."  Plays  half  an  hour. 

PRICE  .  .  J5  CENTS. 


PLAYS  FOR  FEMALE  CHARACTERS. 


SIX   KLEPTOMANIACS. 

A  Farce  in  Two  Ads  for  Female  Characters  only. 
By  EVELYN  WHITING  CARD. 

Ten  female  characters.  Scene,  an  easy  interior,  the  same  for  both  acts. 
Costumes,  modern  and  eccentric.  A  large  number  of  properties  are  called  for 
by  this  piece,  but  all  are  common  domestic  articles,  easily  provided.  A  clever 
satire  on  the  institution  known  as  "  the  rummage  sale,"  introducing  an  unusu- 
ally large  variety  of  character.  Mrs.  Reynolds  advertises  for  "  kleptomaniacs," 
in  order  to  carry  put  a  scheme  she  has  formed,  and  finds  to  her  horror  that 
advertising  undeniably  pays.  A  brisk,  easily  actable  piece,  full  of  side-splitting 
situations.  A  great  success  in  its  original  performance  in  Wollaston.  Plays 
rather  more  than  an  hour. 

PRICE  .  .  J5  CENTS. 


THE  CLANCEY  KIDS, 

A  Comedy  in  Two  Ads  for  Female  Charaders  only. 
By  THACHER  HOLLAND  GUILD. 

Fourteen  female  characters,  and  "  supers,"  if  desired.  Costumes,  modern, 
both  pretty  and  eccentric.  Scenery,  the  same  for  both  acts,  represents  two 
adjoining  gardens,  but  is  not  difficult.  This  very  original,  amusing  and  sympa- 
thetic piece  strongly  suggests  "  Mrs.  Wiggs,  of  the  Cabbage  Patch,"  in  the 
quality  of  its  humor  and  the  honesty  and  sweetness  of  its  pervading  spirit,  and 
is  strongly  recommended  for  school  performance,  for  which  purpose  it  was 
originally  written  and  produced.  It  attains  a  high  pitch  of  humorous  effect 
without  the  least  loss  of  tone  or  concession  to  vulgarity.  Plays  about  an  hour. 

PRICE  .  .  15  CENTS. 


SKETCHES. 

LOOK  OUT  FOR  THE  CAT, 

cA  Sketch  in  One  cAct. 
By  HARRY  L.  NEWTON. 

Two  male  characters,  both  black  face  — one  dandy,  the  other  low  comedy. 
Two  scenes  are  called  for  — one  a  front  scene,  the  other  full  stage.  A  very 
bright  and  laughable  piece  of  mystification,  full.of  good  and  novel  points. 
Unlike  most  two  part  sketches  of  its  type,  it  is  not  merely  a  monologue  for  one 
character,  and  a  feeder  for  the  other,  but  offers  two  first-class  and  strongly 
contrasted  characters.  The  business  is  very  funny.  Plays  twenty  minutes  or  s>o. 

PRICE J5  CENTS. 


PILSNER  AND 

THE  TWO  GERMAN  GAZABOS, 

A  Sketch  in  One  Act. 
By  HARRY  L.  NEWTON. 

Two  male  characters.  Scene,  the  interior  or  exterior,  as  preferred,  of  a 
restaurant,  not  necessarily  elaborate.  Costumes,  funny  Dutch.  A  side-split- 
ting duologue  of  the  Rogers  Brothers  order,  full  of  good  points,  and  going  off 
like  fire  works.  Not  intended  to  introduce  specialties;  just  cross  talk  and 
business.  Plays  about  twenty  minutes. 

PRICE J5  CENTS. 


MRS.  MALTBY'S  MOLE. 

A  Farcical  Sketch  in  One  cAd. 
By  J.  BUTLER  HAVTLAND. 

One  male,  one  female  characters.  Costumes,  modern  and  elegant ;  scene, 
an  easy  interior.  A  very  novel  idea  in  this  line,  uniting  most  ingeniously  re- 
fined comedy  with  side-splitting  farce.  The  final  situation  of  this  piece  is  sure 
of  a  roar  of  laughter.  Good  opportunity  for  dressing  for  both  man  and  woman. 
Professional  stage  rights  reserved  by  the  author.  Plays  about  twenty  minutes. 

PRICE  .  .  J5  CENTS. 


MISS  JONES,  JOURNALIST. 

A  Farcical  Sketch  in  One  Act. 
By  J.  BUTLER  HAVTLAND. 

One  male,  one  female  characters.  Costumes,  modern  ;  scene,  an  exterior, 
not  elaborate.  An  exceptionally  clever  and  original  sketch,  suitable  for  vaude- 
ville or  for  amateur  theatricals.  Full  of  dramatic  interest  and  very  humorous. 
The  man's  part  affords  an  opportunity  for  strong  character  contrast  in  an  im- 
personation. Very  brisk  and  breezy.  Professional  stage  rights  reserved  by 
the  author.  Plays  about  twenty  minutes. 

PRICE J5  CENTS. 


NEW  PLAYS  FOR  FEMALE  CHARACTERS. 


THE  WRONG  MISS  MATHER 

A  Comedy  in  One  Ad  for  Female  Characters  Only. 
By  HELEN  SHERMAN  GRIFFITH, 

AUTHOR  OF  "  THE   DUMB  WAITER,"   "  THE   SCARLET   BONNET,"   ETC. 

Six  female  characters.  Costumes,  modern  ;  scenery,  an  easy  interior.  Plays 
forty  minutes  or  so.  Another  of  this  author's  admirable  series  of  school  plays, 
especially  designed  to  interest  young  girls  and  to  fit  not  only  their  tastes  but 
their  histrionic  powers.  An  original  and  ingenious  story,  just  a  bit  "  rough 
house,"  but  not  more  so  than  healthy  and  active  girls  will  like  and  can  man- 
age. Miss  Mather,  an  unpopular  teacher,  is  hazed  by  mistake.  Gymnasium 
dresses  called  for,  and,  if  desired,  gymnastics  may  be  introduced  as  a  specialty. 

PRICE  .  .  J5  CENTS. 


THE  PINK  SWAN  PATTERN 

A  *Play  in  Two  Ads  for  Female  Charaders  Only. 
By  MAISIE  B.  WHITING. 

Ten  female  characters.  Costumes,  modern ;  scenery,  an  easy  interior,  the 
same  for  both  acts.  Plays  forty  minutes  or  so.  A  clever  little  piece  depicting 
the  Dobson  Corner  Business  Ladies  Association  in  full  working  order,  with 
astonishing  and  amusing  results.  Sobriety  Boardman,  an  "  irrepressible " 
child,  is  a  prominent  member  of  the  cast,  which  gives  very  even  opportunity  to 
all  participants.  Well  suited  for  older  women  and  for  women's  clubs. 

PRICE  .  .  J5  CENTS, 


PENELOPE'S  AFFINITY. 

cA  Way  in  One  cAd  for  Women's  Clubs. 
By  MARY  C  RUSSELL, 

Eight  female  characters  who  speak,  and  "  members  "  ad  libitum.  One  of  the 
characters  is  a  man,  and  may,  if  desired,  be  played  by  a  man,  though  it  was  in- 
tended to  be  performed  and  was  originally  presented  by  a  lady.  A  pleasant 
and  good-natured  satire  on  women's  clubs,  telling  an  interesting  story,  and 
serving  to  introduce  songs  and  other  specialties  to  almost  any  extent.  Plays 
from  twenty-five  minutes  up,  according  to  the  amount  of  material  interpolated. 
Swanee  River  Cunarder's  mysterious  elixir,  that  shows  to  every  woman  her  true 
human  affinity,  is  a  wonderful  discovery,  and  while  dangerous  to  the  married 
ladies,  who  may  have  chosen  unwisely,  its  efficacy  with  the  single,  as  Penelope 
Will  testify,  is  little  less  than  marvellous. 

PRICE  .  .  15  CENTS. 


NEW  PLAYS  FOR  MALE  CHARACTERS. 


WHAT  THEY  DID  FOR  JENKINS 

A  Farce  Comedy  in   Three  Ads. 
By  HAROLD  HALE, 

AUTHOR  OF  "  THE  BEST  MAN,"  "A  TAX  ON  BACHELORS,"  ETC. 

Fourteen  male  characters.  Scene,  an  easy  interior,  the  same  for  all  three 
acts.  Costumes,  modern.  Plays  two  hours.  A  bustling  and  vivacious  piece, 
with  parts  about  equally  distributed  as  to  length,  but  greatly  varied  in  charac- 
ter. Plays  for  all  male  characters  of  this,  or,  in  fact,  of  any  length,  do  not  often 
offer,  yet  the  demand  from  schools  and  boys'  clubs  is  clamorous  and  unremitting. 
We  are  glad  to  be  able  to  offer  in  this  piece  so  competent  an  answer.  Jenkins, 
the  hero,  is  boomed  into  prosperity  in  an  entirely  novel  manner  and  with  very 
humorous  results. 

PRICE  .  .          .25  CENTS. 


CHARACTERS. 

JEREMIAH  JENKINS,  the  lucky  man. 

CHARLES  OLDHAM,  President  of  the  U.  S.  Plow  Co. 

PHILIP  ANDREWS,  a  bald-headed  villain. 

ALFRED  SAUNDERS,  reporter  of  the  N.  Y.  Journal. 

THOMAS  TAYLOR,  reporter  of  the  N.  Y.  Times. 

WILLIAM  ELROY,  editor  of  the  Evening  Daily. 

PETER  BATES,  manager  of  the  Evening  Daily. 

ENOCH  WILLIAMS,  manager  of  the  hotel. 

HENRY  RICHFIELD,  a  New  York  banker. 

JAMES  FAIRBANKS,  manager  of  the  department  store. 

CHARLES  FARNSWORTH,  a  lawyer. 

PAYSON  WILSON,  a  stockholder. 

LARRY  LANGDON,  useful  about  the  hotel. 

THE  DETECTIVE,  with  a  tin  star. 


SYNOPSIS: 

ACT  I.  —  At  the  hotel.  The  plot  buds.  Jenkins,  the  heir.  V 
ACT  JI.  —  The  plot  blossoms.  Jenkins,  the  frenzied  financier. 
ACT  III.  The  plot  bears  fruit.  Exit  Jenkins. 


VIEWING  A  GRANGER 

A  Vaudeville  Sketch  in  One  Scene. 
By  CX  E.  YOUNG. 

Two  male  characters.  Scene,  any  old  place,  but  preferably  a  country  road. 
Costumes,  modem  and  eccentric.  An  amusing  trifle  chiefly  consisting  of 
humorous  "back talk."  It  is  well  adapted  for  juvenile  experimenters  in 
"  vaudeville,"  being  clean  and  wholesome.  Plays  fifteen  minutes. 

PRICE  .        .  .  .  15  CENTS. 


TT-TP 
in-C. 


A  Farce  in  Three  Acts.    By  ARTHUR  W. 

PIJJERO.  Twelve  male,  four  female  char- 
--  acters.  Costumes,  modern  ;  scenery,  all 
interior.  The  merits  of  this  excellent  and  amusing  piece,  one  of  the  most  popu- 
lar of  its  author's  plays,  are  well  attested  by  long  and  repeated  runs  in  the 
principal  American  theatres.  It  is  of  the  highest  class  of  dramatic  writing,  and 
is  uproariously  funny,  and  at  the  same  time  unexceptionable  in  tone.  Its  entire 
suitability  for  amateur  performance  has  been  shown  by  hundreds  of  such  pro- 
ductions from  manuscript  during  .he  past  three  years.  Plays  two  hours  and 
a  half.  (1892.) 


THE  NOTORIOUS 
MRS.  EBBSMITH. 


A  Drama  in  Four  Acts.  By  ARTHUR  W. 
PINERO.  Eight  male  and  five  female  charac- 
ters ;  scenery,  all  interiors.  This  is  a  "  prob- 
lem "  play  continuing  the  series  to  which  "  The 
Profligate  "  and  "The  Second  Mrs.  Tanqueray" 
belong,  and  while  strongly  dramatic,  and  intensely  interesting  is  not  suited  for 
amateur  performance.  It  is  recommended  for  Reading  Clubs.  (1895.) 


THE  PROFLIGATE.  [ 


A  Play  in  Four  Acts.  By  ARTHUR  W.  PIXE- 
RO.  Seven  male  and  five  female  characters. 
Scenery,  three  interiors,  rather  elaborate ; 
costumes,  modern.  This  is  a  piece  of  serious  interest,  powerfully  dramatic  in 
movement,  and  tragic  in  its  event.  An  admirable  play,  but  not  suited  for  ama- 
teur performance.  (1892.) 


THE  SCHOOLMISTRESS.  I 


A  Farce  in  Three  Acts.  By  ARTHUR 
W.  PINERO.  Nine  male,  seven  fe- 
male characters.  Costumes,  mod- 
ern;  scenery,  three  interiors,  easily  arranged.  This  ingenious  vand  laughable 
farce  was  played  by  Miss  Rosina  Yokes  during  her  last  season  in  America  with 
great  success.  Its  plot  is  amusing,  its  action  rapid  and  full  of  incident,  its  dia- 
logue brilliant,  and  its  scheme  of  character  especially  rich  ii«  quaint  and  humor- 
ous types.  The  Hon.  VereQueckett  and  Peggy  are  especially  strong.  The  piece 
is  in  all  respects  suitable  for  amateurs.  (1894.) 


THE  SECOND 
MRS.  TANQUERAY. 


A  Play  in  Four  Acts.  By  ARTHUR  "W. 
PINEUO.  Eight  male  and  five  femalecLar- 
acters.  Costumes,  modern  ;  scenery,  three 
interiors.  This  well-known  and  powerful 
play  is  not  well  suited  for  amateur  per- 
formance. It  is  offered  to  Mr.  Pinero's  admirers  among  the  reading  public  in 
answer  to  the  demand  which  its  wido  discust'-ion  as  an  acted  play  has  created. 
(1894.)  Also  in  Cloth,  $1.00. 


SWEET  LAVENDER. 


A  Comedy  in  Three  Acts.  Bv  ARTHUR 
W.  PIXERO.  Seven  male  and  four  female 
characters.  Scene,  a  single  interior,  tb.9 
same  for  all  three  acts  ;  costumes,  modern  and  fashionable.  This  well  known 
and  popular  piece  is  admirably  suited  to  amateur  players,  by  whom  it  has  been 
often  given  during  the  last  few  years.  Its  story  is  strongly  sympathetic,  and  it3 
comedy  interest  abundant  and  strong.  (1893.) 


THE  TIMES.  | 


A  Comedy  in  Four  Acts.  By  ARTHUR  TV".  PTXERO.  Six 
male  and  seven  female  characters.  Scene,  a  single  ele- 
gant interior ;  costumes,  moderi?  and  fashionable.  An 

entertaining  piece,  of  strong  dramatic  interest  and  admirable  satirical  humor. 

(1892.) 


W  FT  A  TTTTP    CITY"     f     A  Comedv  in  Three  Acts.    Bv  ARTHUR 
W.CAJSJ1K.   OJ1A.    [     w.  PTNERO.    Eight  male  and  eight  female 

^~~"     |"~ ' '     characters.     Costumes,  modern  ;  scenery, 

two  interiors,  not  difficult.  This  very  amusing  comedy  was  a  popular  feature  of 
the  rePertoire  °f  Mr-  and  Mrs.  Kendal  in  this  country.  It  presents  a  plot  of 
strong  dramatic  interest,  and  its  incidental  satire  of  "  Woman's  Rights"  em- 
ploys  some  admirably  humorous  characters,  and  inspires  many  very  clever  lines. 
Its  leading  characters  are  unusually  even  in  strength  and  prominence,  which 
makes  it  a  very  satisfactory  piece  for  amateurs.  (1894.) 


>  $mero'si  latest 

f^rice,  50 


IRIS 

Drama  in  Five  Acts 

C.Seven  males,  seven  females.  Costumes, 
modern  ;  scenery,  three  interiors.  Plays  a  full 
evening. 

LETTY 

Drama  in  Four  Acts  and  an  Epilogue 

C/Ten  males,  five  females.  Costumes,  mod- 
ern; scenery  complicated.Plays  a  full  evening. 

THE  GAY  LORD  QUEX 

Comedy  in  Four  Acts 

C.Four  males,  ten  females.  Costumes,  mod- 
ern ;  scenery,  two  interiors  and  an  exterior. 
Plays  a  full  evening. 

HIS  HOUSE  IN  ORDER 

Comedy  in  Four  Acts 

4LNine  males,  four  females.  Costumes,  mod- 
ern; scenery,  three  interiors.  Plays  a  full  even- 
ing. 

A  WIFE  WITHOUT  A  SMILE 
Comedy  in  Three  Acts 

C^Five  males,  four  females.  Costumes  modern; 
scene,  a  single  interior.  Plays  a  full  evening. 

Sent  prepaid  on  receipt  of  price  by 

Walter  &  TBafeer  &  Company 

No.  5  Hamilton  Place-  Boston-Massachusetts 


Manufactured  by 

6AYLORO  BROS.  »„«. 

Syw«ui«,  N.  Y. 

Stoclrton,  C.M. 


